Alameda Theater project inching closer to start

Plans for a new stage house for the Alameda Theater go before the Historic and Design Review Committee on Wednesday for what is presumably the last time. In late February, the new nonprofit handling the theater’s restoration, simply called Alameda Theater, was asked by the board to consider the addition’s impact on San Pedro Creek. But the agenda for Wednesday’s meeting makes it look like the nonprofit has the green light.

Essentially, the multilevel stage house will go 50 feet deep from the Alameda’s stage. Additions include a new basement and orchestra pit, and dressing rooms, rehearsal space and staff offices throughout floors 1-3. A fourth floor is possible.

Outside, a new loading dock will be constructed that can be accessed from Laredo Street, which explains the demo of the small one-story building there.

Overall, the nonprofit is overseeing the renovation of the theater, and the neighboring Casa de Mexico Building, 310-318 W. Houston St.

The organization has a little more than $8 million in county and city money to execute these initial phases, but still needs another $12 million or more to finish the renovation as well as operate the theater for the first two years.

In a recent interview, Ernest Bromley, chairman of the Alameda Theater, said construction could begin in early July.

The Historic and Design Review Commission meets at 3 p.m. today at the Development & Business Services Center (first floor), 1901 S. Alamo St.